How To Start A Profitable Pig Farming In Ghana

Commercial pig farming in Ghana is one of the top lucrative businesses to venture since the demand for pork in the country has been skyrocketed in recent years.

The demand for pig products like sausages and smokies are booming business in almost all urban areas in Ghana.

If you are planning to start a profitable pig farming business, then you have come to the right place. Therefore take your time to read through the article.

Benefit of a Pig Farming in Ghana

The weather climates in Ghana are favorable for pig farming, and this among the many factors that have contributed to the interests of pig farming.

Here are some of the advantages derived from pig farming:

The reproduction time of pigs is less, and they tend to grow faster than other livestock.

The pigs tend to fatten more quickly by converting the pig feeds into proteins.

Pigs are omnivorous, which implies that they can consume almost all types of feeds like roughages, kitchen garbage, and agricultural waste, among others.

Pig investments are quite minimal when compared to chickens and cows.

Sows have the capability of giving birth twice a year to about ten piglets.

The return on investment of the pig farming in Ghana is quite high as compared to other countries.

The demand for pork in major urban areas of Ghana is quite high hence favoring pig farming business.

The level of unemployment in Ghana is quite high; hence, pig farming can be an alternative source of employment.

Pigs can be raised by any person regardless of their current profession since it does not require any form of training.

The Profitability Of Pig Farming in Ghana

The demand for pork in different parts of Ghana is quite high.

Therefore Pig farming business in Ghana is a goldmine, and if you are planning to start, then this is the right time for you.

There are few pig industries across the country, and you will notice that the pig products are quite expensive.

If you happen to venture into this lucrative business, then you are likely to earn huge profits in the end.

How to Start a Commercial Pig Farming in Ghana

Are you planning to start a commercial pig farming in Ghana? Well, it is good to note that this is not going to be a walk in the park.

You will need to consider many factors before starting to earn huge profits. You should also note that pig farming is a dirty job, but the profit are is mouth watering.

Here is a simple guide for pig farming in Ghana.

Locate a Suitable Farm:

You will need to select a suitable land for rearing pigs before purchasing them. The area located should be accessible to good transport, clean water and close to the market.

Determine the size of land that you own since it will help you know the number of pigs to start raising. Ensure the pig farm is away from residential areas but close to the market centers.

Select Suitable Breeds:

There are plenty of pig breeds, but they tend to have different production scale. It is advisable to pick a pig breed that is highly productive to earn maximum profits.

Some of the most profitable pigs in Ghana are Large White, Landrace, Yorkshires, Duroc, and Hampshire pigs. You are required to conduct a thorough research about the pig before purchasing.

Here are some of the main things to consider:

A pair of bright eyes.

Glossy coat.

Alert and responsive to its surrounding environment.

Good temperament.

Good appeal to food.

Easy and normal movement.

Free from lameness or any other unnatural signs.

Avoid purchasing aggressive pig.

Feeding the Pigs:

Do you know how to feed pigs? Well, this is the first thing to put into consideration. Learn about the pig feeds since they play a vital role in their growth and development.

The good thing with pigs is that they have high feeds conversion.

Quality pig feeds ensure good production hence maximum profits. Pigs are omnivorous; therefore, they can feed on meat, grains, and plants. They eat almost everything.

Furthermore, it is advisable to include proteins and vitamins in their diet as well as other supplements that help to boost their immune system. Piglets are supposed to feed on foods that have higher proteins than adult pigs.

Pig Housing:

Pigs are powerful animals. You need to build a permanent house for them. The stable should be well ventilated to enhance the proper circulation of fresh air and also shade during high temperatures.

You should also note that young piglets are profoundly affected by cold temperatures while adult pigs by high temperatures. This is the reason why pig farming in some parts of Ghana does not thrive.

It is advisable to separate piglets from their mothers so that they can grow and mature faster. Ensure the sty is ever clean and dry to facilitate maximum health care.

Fertility of Pigs:

Breeding pigs is quite easy since they are ever fertile, and they tend to have a shorter gestation period when compared to cows. A sow reaches maturity after 8-9 months, and she has the capability of giving birth.

In a year, a sow is capable of giving birth twice to about 10-12 piglets. If you’re planning to start commercial pig farming, then it is advisable to start at a low budget.

Marketing of the Pigs:

Ghana has a massive demand for pig products as compared to other countries. Some of the ordinary pig products are Pork, Bacon, and Sausages, among others.

If you’re venturing in pig farming in Ghana, then don’t worry about the market. You can sell your pigs to the nearest local market or direct to the Farmers’ Choice Industry nearby.

Types of Pig Farming in Ghana

Pig rearing in Ghana are dependent on the amount of capital an individual has at the disposal. The following are some of the standard methods practiced by many pig breeders in Ghana.

Free-Range Pigs Farming:

The system involves keeping pigs on a large farm where the primary feeds are the grass and Lucerne. Pigs raised on free-range tend to have tasty pork that has natural flavor.

You can supply the pigs with other supplements to ensure they get the required nutrients for faster growth and development. The system is cost-efficient for those breeders with a low budget.

Semi-Intensive Pig Keeping:

This farming system is suitable for those medium breeders. Here the pigs are enclosed in a semi-permanent structure, and they are provided continuously with feeds.

The farmer can get feeds from the farm and also from the market. They are also required to provide them with other supplements for faster growth and weight gain.

The rearing system is time-consuming, but the breeder has a direct connection with the market. The breeding system has huge returns when compared to other rearing systems.

Intensive Pig Rearing:

The system involves raising pigs in a close area in the form of a housing system. The method is suitable for those breeders with direct market connections or is interested in meat production.

The main aim of this system is to raise pigs for slaughter to cut off the cost of feeding. The pigs grow faster due to an adequate supply of food and other supplements.

However, the system requires a high amount of investments since the cost of supplement tend to be high. It is not a suitable pig rearing system for farmers with a low budget.

Types of Pig Breeds for Meat Production in Ghana

There are plenty of pig breeds in Ghana according to the gestation period and amount of meat production. Here are some of the most famous pig breeds in Ghana for meat production:

1. Large White Pig:

2. Duroc Pig Breed

3. Landrace Pig Breed

4. Hampshire Pig Breed

5. Combrough Pig Breed

Challenges Facing Pig Farming in Ghana

There are a lot of things that are facing the pig farming in Ghana industry.

This is the reason why the modern pig industry is not able to meet the rising demand for pig products.

Here are some of the common problems facing pig farming in Ghana:

The high cost of pig feeds

Lack of training institutes

Poor transport system

Religious barriers

Corruption and nepotism in farmer’s choice

Conclusion

If you happen to be a novice farmer, then it is advisable to start small instead of starting big. Pig farming in Ghana is a lucrative venture, and it usually requires a small piece of land to get started.

Locate where to purchase the pig feeds and supplements before venturing into the business.